CD Players under $1000

crazy

What makes a good CD player better than others? I mean, if the laser is reading 0's and 1's and translating them, why do we have CD players than are $100 and CD players that are several thousand dollars???!!!

I'm currently searching for a good CD player to replace my Onkyo Universal player (maybe I'll keep the Onkyo for old times sake) and would like some help.

I've kind of narrowed it down to these 4 given the fact that they're all below $1K and infact most of them are in the $500-$700 range which is a real good buy.

1) Cambridge Audio Azur 640C
2) Music Hall
3) Rotel RCD-1072
4) Rega Apollo

Out of these, I do like the Rega and Rotel quite a bit. Looks-wise, the Rotel looks a lot better than the cheap plastic looking Rega, but the Rega does sound impressive.

Then there's also the Rotel RCD-02 which is going for virtually nothing these days (used) or the Cambridge Audio 540C etc., not to mention the Denon.

Would really appreciate some feedback/comments/suggestions regarding this.

audiobliss

The main differences between CDPs, as I understand it, are going to be caused by the DAC (dynamics, noise floor), transport (jitter), and other inline parts such as wiring and caps (noise floor and other subtle differences).

I would personally lean toward the Rotel RCD-1072 from those you listed. If you can find a good, cheap RCD-02, the differences between the two are very subtle. However, it all comes down to your ear, your room, your associated equipment, and your wallet.

Good luck with your hunt!

RuSsMaN

Add the Arcam CD73 to the list with the Rotel 1072, and Rega. Not a big Cambridge fan myself. MH is ok, but overpriced considering the grey market equivelants out of China.

Also, the Marantz SA8260 - nothing but stellar reviews (I agree), and being closed out (new & refurb) for 7 or 8 Franklins. SACD is the icing on this already delicious audio cake.

Cheers,
Russ

crazy

Half these CD players are made in China - isn't that amazing?

Shanling and Music Hall are supposed to share an assemby line. Rotel's are made in China and so are Cambridge Audio (manufactured in China though the engineering is in the UK).

The Arcam CD73 does indeed have some great ratings but isn't that almost $1500 or so?

I wonder if anyone on this thread owns a Rega.

Audiobliss, it's good to hear that the RCD-02 is close to the RCD-1072 since there are a lot of those available for rather cheap these days.

RuSsMaN

The Arcam is $699.

crazy

While we're on the CD topic, I wanted to add that Rotel has released (or is about to release) a new CD player, namely the RCD-06.

Strangely this is shown on their international website but not the US site.

http://europe.rotel.com/series06/specs/rcd06.htm

Also, from what I've heard, Cambridge Audio is supposed to be releasing a new CD player, the Azur 840C to go with their new 840 integrated amps.

audiobliss

The RCD-06, obviously, will only be offered in the European market. The RCD-02 has been taken off the US market and is now only offered in the European market.

schwarcw

I have to go with the Marantz 8260. It has geat redbook sound and SACD as Russ mentioned. The Rotel 1072 is also very nice, no SACD though. And yes, SACD is going to be around a while.

ckpiv

I picked up a used RCD-1072 for around $500 bucks and would not trade it. Good solid performance, low noise floor - you will not be disappointed.

I-SIG

Damn, this decision is getting harder: Arcam with no SACD or Marantz w/ SACD? I really want the Arcam, but the possibility of SACD is tempting.

Wes

crazy

Zero - I hear ya. So what you're saying is that the Cambridge Audio won't do justice to my current setup.

However the Rotel or the Arcam, even though they're in the same price as the CA, is a good buy to go along with my setup?

I did really like the sound of the Rotel - haven't heard the Arcam yet. I also really like the Rega.

reeltrouble1

Everyone should have a universal or at least SACD player, I would mention the Jolida a stellar sounding tubed Redbook player that can be had under 1G.

TroyD

Ditto big daddy on the Jolida. Haven't hear much that tops it.

BDT

F1nut

Agreed, for a redbook only player under 1k, the Jolida is hard to beat. You have to change the stock Chinese tubes and I'd advise upgrading the power cord too.

SuperDave

Would you use PCM or analog outputs? Or are all these analog out. Sorry if it is a bad question.:p

SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
Adcom GFA-5500 (Main)
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Main
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

F1nut

I think what you meant is digital or analog outputs. For more info on PCM look here, http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci214284,00.html

You could use either. If you use the digital out, then you are using the DAC in whatever processing device you connect to. If you use the analog outs, then you use the DAC in the cd player.

AndyGwis

Another question on PCM. If you are running your DVD player with a digital coax/optical out, you should use RAW or Bitstream instead of PCM, right?

zombie boy 2000

that's a big affirmative

SuperDave

In your opinion would the DAC in the yamaha rec or the denon cd be better?


SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
Adcom GFA-5500 (Main)
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Main
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

audiobliss

Based on the names alone, I would say the Denon CDP's DAC would be worlds better than the Yamaha receiver's DAC.

SuperDave

So I should use the analog out of the denon to rec instead of the optical cable for 2 channel? I use the optical now..

SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
Adcom GFA-5500 (Main)
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Main
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

audiobliss

To use the Denon's DAC, then yes, use a RCA cable via the analog connections to your receiver. What model Denon is it?

EDIT - Drrr....it's in your sig! nvm

SKsolutions

I shook the magic 8-ball,. . . sacd, dead.

Consulted the Amazing Kreskin,. . . DVD-A, dead.
.
I'm thinking the vinal guys are saner and you all know how weird they are.:eek:

Flash21

I have heard the Rotel 1072 and the Music Hall 25.2. Of those two I preferred the Music Hall, the Rotel seemed too polite for rock/blues such as I like. The Music Hall was pretty interesting...not good enough to spring for the upgrade, but a very strong value at it's price point.

I would definitely like to audition the Apollo, at least after they get the bugs worked out...

steveinaz

I'd roll the dice and take my chances on the Marantz 8260 @$799 from Audio Advisor or $699 from Accessories 4 Less refurbed; either way you can't go wrong.

Say whatever you like, but it's a tall order to get on Stereophiles "A List" under 3 large.

FWIW, for a thousand bucks I'd be choosing between:
1. Marantz SA-8260
2. CEC TL-51 transport
3. Rotel 1072